Railroad Grade (FR 568) in CO -- Free Camping & Overnight Parking in Colorado
Railroad Grade (FR 568) in CO
A 7.9-mile stretch of dirt National Forest road in La Plata County, CO. The road serves Valley View Spring. The road is open seasonally, May 1 to November 30.
San Juan National Forest, Mancos/Dolores Ranger District records no overnight restriction here.
All 7.9 miles in are maintained only for high-clearance vehicles. Dirt the whole way in (7.9 miles). Climbs 1,100 ft over 7.9 miles -- sustained grades near 12%, with pitches to 16%. Stretches run along a shelf with a drop of up to ~110 ft on the downhill side. Dead-end road -- no mapped turnaround; expect to back out or unhitch.
A well-travelled stretch -- travellers have camped along here. Madden Peak stands 3,857 ft above the site, 5.8 miles northeast. A body of water lies 0.6 mi off. The nearest town, Mancos, is 5.0 mi off.
September normals 42–71°F, 2.4″ rain. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.
Set by San Juan National Forest, Mancos/Dolores Ranger District. Stage 1 and 2 orders change within days -- check the current order before you build a fire.
fs.usda.gov